metabolic bone disease

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) is a preventable condition occurring in diurnal reptiles (active during the day). It is a disease that stems from poor husbandry and animal neglect. Lack of UVB, lack of proper calcium and d3 supplementation, incorrect basking temperatures and an imbalance of dietary calcium, d3 and phosphorous all lead to MBD.
The symptoms of MBD are varied, but the most common are lumps or bumps at the base of the tail or along the spine, crooked spine, deformity of the jaw with the top jaw often being shorter, softening of the bones and jaw, and broken bones. Severe cases of MBD will exhibit lethargy, inability to climb or grip, weakness, and organ insufficiency and failure, commonly cardiac and liver failures.
The symptoms of MBD are varied, but the most common are lumps or bumps at the base of the tail or along the spine, crooked spine, deformity of the jaw with the top jaw often being shorter, softening of the bones and jaw, and broken bones. Severe cases of MBD will exhibit lethargy, inability to climb or grip, weakness, and organ insufficiency and failure, commonly cardiac and liver failures.
Steps you can take to prevent MBD in your own pets:
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Tricia's Water Dragon - Excellent explanation of why calcium deficiency and metabolic bone disease are a problem with reptiles in captivity and what you can do to prevent the disease.
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Short, technical document about MBD with a picture of an iguana's deformed jaw for illustration.
Long, detailed page with diagrams and an in-depth description of the disease.
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